Finding a reliable pet store is essential for all pet parents. It can make a huge difference when purchasing pet supplies, such as food and accessories for one’s furry friends. It is also recommended to speak to a veterinarian for any advice regarding pet handling, grooming needs, and meal recommendations.

Check the availability of supplies
Pet parents find it convenient to rely on pet stores that offer high-quality products. Such stores provide immediate access to various supplies, including food, bedding, grooming kits, potty training products, accessories, and more. This criterion applies to both online and offline stores. It is easy to pick required items from the shelves in a brick-and-mortar store. However, when shopping online, the only disadvantage is the delivery time; the products are shipped a few days after the order has been placed.

Read refund policy
Many people ignore this step before placing an order online. Always read the refund policy and the shipping terms of the store to avoid any unforeseen product-related issues. In case the product is damaged or expired or the wrong product is sent to the user, a refund policy should ensure proper resolution. In such situations, a replacement or refund should be processed to the customer to provide a sense of security when purchasing online. Also, it is advised to be aware of those brands or websites without a shipping or refund policy, as they may be fraudulent.

Supportive staff
It is also important to observe how the staff responds to any specific requests from pet parents. Are they understanding of the situation? Are they patient and knowledgeable enough to address the concerns regarding the pet’s needs? At times, pet parents may have certain queries and questions regarding any particular product, and if the pet store staff is well-versed with a permanent solution, it’s a significant advantage. It also means that the pet parent can easily rely on them with any issues, making them feel more welcome at the store.

Choosing the right pet store is crucial. If the staff recognizes regular customers and their pets, they can suggest new and useful products for the furry friend. Therefore, it’s important to choose a pet store with friendly and understanding staff that can quickly cater to all pet-related needs.

Check for adoption camps
Some stores organize adoption camps for community dogs or in collaboration with NGOs, which provides pet parents with an opportunity to look at animals in need, interact with them, and even adopt some cats and dogs. It is a positive sign when the staff at the center is welcoming and helpful to new pet parents by addressing their queries and needs during the process. Many new parents have several questions on how to raise a pet at home, what type of pet supplies they should invest in, and have specific questions about some breeds. Hence, if the staff is well-informed and equipped with the right knowledge to provide answers, it is a significant advantage in terms of reliability and legitimacy. It also makes the adoption process a success.

Popular pet supplies
There are several popular online pet stores that are well-known for their pet supplies. They are:

• PetSmart
  This known pet brand caters to not just dogs and cats but even birds. Some of their well-liked products include the bird stand and quirky dog costumes.
• Petco
  This store is a great choice for pet owners. They offer a wide selection of quality supplies, and Petco members can enjoy 8% Pal rewards with every purchase at a store/website through the Petco Pay Credit Card. One of the major advantages of the brand is its PetcoLove adoption agency, which provides pet adoption services from nearby shelters. Their most popular pet supplies include the ball pit toy and the LED aquarium kit.
• Chewy
  Chewy provides a range of discounts on diverse pet supplies on their website throughout the year. With over 2000 brands available, there are plenty of options to choose from. They have a flexible return policy and fast shipping, making online ordering convenient for all. Moreover, they collaborate with nearby shelters, organizing donation campaigns and drives for the betterment of the community.
• Overstock
  For those looking for a store apart from food supplies, Overstock is the best option. The retailer provides a huge selection of pet-friendly furniture, toys, clothes, and carriers for pets. The popular pet supplies include the freestanding wooden pet gate and an outdoor run rabbit hutch. They also provide an Overstock Store Credit Card, which gives up to 24 months of financing. The cardholder gets a $30 reward on spending over $300 in the first 90 days of opening an account.

Apart from these popular stores, one can also check any nearby local stores that may have quality products and the necessary items for pets. Some of these stores may offer exclusive discounts for members, loyalty programs, and participate in local community efforts to adopt dogs from shelters. Also, check with a trusted veterinarian if they have any recommendations which may be helpful.